What can Miami learn from their near loss against Virginia Tech?

But those big, game-altering plays like they allowed on those two third-down touchdown passes by Kyron Drones just can't happen. The secondary almost let the entire team down again on the final play of the game, nearly allowing a game-losing Hail Mary.

Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and cornerbacks coach Chevis Jackson have to work on coverage during plays in which the opposing quarterback extends the play. Kyron Drones was admittedly great at alluding Miami's pressure, but the secondary cannot allow opposing receivers to get wide-open when that does occur.

And if God forbid the Miami defense is forced to face another Hail Mary with the game on the line, the secondary needs to be taught to just bat the ball down. Don't even allow it to reach the hands of the opposing receiver. That's how you ensure you avoid a disastrous, embarrassing loss. Again, don't let the officials decide.

Work on tackling

Another area of weakness in Miami's defense against the Hokies was their tackling. Ineffective arm tackles and shoulder thumps were a trademark of Miami teams of years past, but that cannot continue to happen as Miami treks on in ACC play.